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UNITED STATES OF AMEUK A. 



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AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE, 



WITH OTHER POEMS, 



REV. ARMON SPENCER. 



N E W A R K , N. Y. : 
I 8 8 I. 









Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1881, by 

ARMON SPENCER, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



CHARLES MANN, PRINTER, 
ROCHESTER, N. V. 



TO THE 
CLERGYMEN OF THE U. S. A. TO WHOM THE AU- 
THOR OF THE FOLLOWING POEMS IS SPECIALLY 
ATTACHED BY THE COMMON FAITH AND FEL- 
LOWSHIP OF THE GOSPEL — ^NOT EXCLUDING 
ANY WHO FIND THEMSELVES INTERESTED 
IN HIS UNIQUE MANNER OF TREATING 
HIS SUBJECTS— AND WITH THE HOPE 
THAT ALL WHO FIND THEMSELVES 
INTERESTED IN THE POEMS WILL 
USE SOME ENDEAVORS TO SE- 
CURE FOR THIS LITTLE BOOK 
A WIDE CIRCULATION, 
IT IS NOW RESPECT- 
FULLY DEDICATED 
BY THE AUTHOR. 



CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Proem, I 

An Opening for a Candidate, 3 

Faithful " Prince," 17 

Fast Age and Fast Men, ' 20 

Easy Rhymes for Little Folks, 32 

To Dr. Eaton and Wife, 35 

Reception Poem, 40 

The World and the Soul, 43 

" Give Me Jesus," ''. 45 

Our Puritan Fathers, 47 

The Freedman's Triumph, 53 

Plea for Prohibition, 56 

A Watch without a Balance-wheel, 59 

Hymeneal Poem, . 74 

The Old Maid's Soliloquy, ']'] 

A Bachelor Preacher's Defense, 86 

The Owl, 102 

A Tribute to Mr. F. G. C, 104 

The Invalid's Petition, 120 

Housekeepers' Trials, 122 

A Tribute to Garfield, 140 



PROEM. 

Go forth, little book, to your mission be true, 
As a cherished young friend I must bid you adieu. 
I have taught you some lessons which others 

might know, 
And now bid you rehearse them wherever you go. 

Should young people desire your acquaintance 

to make. 
And in social diversions invite you to take 
Such a part as will give you a hearing by all, 
Be quite sure that you honor each separate call. 

The plain hints you will give some will kindly 

receive, 
And the views you advance they will fully believe. 



2 PROEM. 

They will greet you with joy and then bid you 

rehearse 
To themselves and their friends your own stories 

in verse. 

Others, too, you may find, void of taste for mere 

rhyme, 
Who would deem your effusions a waste of their 

time. 
These would scarcely have patience to hear you 

rehearse, 
Because nothing can please them if written in 

verse. 

If queer mirth with the best of advice you mingle, 
Some young people may list for the sake of the 

jingle. 
You will deal with such facts as are known to 

be true, 
And in each case avoid a mere fanciful view. 



AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. 

So go forth my good friend. 
May choice favors attend 

The endeavors you venture to make ; 
And though some do but smile 
At your aim and your style, 

Your fixed purpose they never can shake. 



AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE, 

OR, THE SHARK AND THE NEGRO. 



Several years ago a returned missionary was preaching in one of 
your small churches, in Western New York, but finding the salary 
received inadequate for the support of his family, he wrote to me 
asking to be informed of a more favorable locality in which he could 
hope to secure enough of means to make the ends meet. The church 

in , a thriving village, was named to him. He replied, the 

mention of said church reminded him of a picture he had in an 
almanac, where a small negro was on the shore, and a shark near 
him in the water. Under the picture was written, 'An opening for a 
Candidate.' The church named had swallowed down eighteen or 
twenty candidates and he disliked to be added to the number. Out 
of this circumstance, in process of time, grew the following poem. 

Of the shark they relate a most wonderful fable, 
To believe which but few, we presume, will be able, 



4 AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. 

Of its truth, or its falsehood, we care not to know, 
Since it plainly illustrates a truth we would show. 

On a time when sharp hunger enticed him to land, 
A sprightly young negro he spied on the strand ; 
Whose form and complexion he could but admire, 
And to make him his own was his ardent desire. 

Like that fish which of old swallowed Jonah alive, 
Our shark, to take Sambo at once, seemed to 

strive, 
His large jaws were now open, like meeting house 

door. 
And his form, so majestic, reclined on the shore. 

His desire he made known in a whisper demure. 
That his favorite object he might thus secure, 
" If you now are prepared both in heart and in mind, 
A nice opening here you will readily find. 
And for man, like yourself, of sable complexion, 
I have had, from the first, an ardent affection." 

To this selfish suggestion, young Sambo replies: 
" Such a creature as you I would never despise. 



AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. 5 

But to meet your desires, one should not make 

haste, 
Till he knows on what grounds your affection is 

based." 

With a wonderful, coolness the shark speaks again : 
"I have always indulged an affection for men, 
And since now, for some time, I have been with- 
out food. 
The sad state I am in, is a pitiable mood; 
And should quickly excite, in your gefierous mind 
Great compassion, for once, so completely resignd." 

" For some, time I have felt that this body of 

mine. 
Much reduced by long fasting, was on the decline. 
In so much that of late, 'tis a serious question. 
Whether food can be had to suit my digestion," 

"And a great deal of time I have recently spent, 
With an ardent desire, and the fullest intent,- 
To secure a good man, such as you seem 

to be. 
From the faults of old Adam, entirely free." 



6 AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. 

"Who would care for no one in the world ex- 
cept me, 

And with whom, on all points, I could fully agree, 

Who would leave the dry land and embark on 
the sea, 

That, quite near to my heart, he at all time 
might be." 

"A capacity, such as your own, is the least, 
That could ever afford, for myself a good feast, 
So, if you will at once, just comply with my 

wishes, 
Out at sea, in high glee, 1 can move among 

fishes. 
Yet, if you still incline so to thwart my desire. 
The sad time is at hand, in which I must expire." 

" Oh, think not of dangers which thus may arise. 
But do all that you can, by the plans you devise. 
To produce for my comfort some needful supplies." 

Now this true son of Ham had a generous 

heart. 
And, good things he had,' would most freely 

impart. 



AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. J 

Yet he thought it not wise, his own body to give, 
That a monstrous great fish might be able to 
live. 

For quite well he had known some such man 

as himself, 
In the hope of great good, or perhaps for himself, 
Yielded for once, to the will of those sharks near 

the shore, 
Who would swallow them down, and then gape 

for more. 

Yet, of all those dear men, much more pliant 

than wise. 
He had very good grounds to presume, or surmise 
That their great compassion, or true love for 

fishes, 
Which led them in a trice, to comply with their 

wishes. 

When they should have enquired, of those who 

would win. 
Whether they could come out in the plight they 

went in, 



8 AN OPENING F(m A CANDIDATE, 

Was a means of great loss, such as they should 

not meet, 
That those famishing sharks might have dainties 

to eat ; 

Some of them did not tare like the prophets of old, 
Of whose fate in the Bible we plainly are told, 
Whom the fish, when impelled by a sacred 

command, 
Brought to the shore, yet alive, and placed safe 

on dry land, 

So that he could yet preach that bad men should 
repent ; 

And warn those in the city, to which he was 

sent. 
Of judgment impending, such as they had not 

known. 
That their populous city might not be overthrown. 

Now, again, we attend to young Sambo's reply, 
" ' Twould afford me great pleasure your wants to 
supply, 



AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. 9 

For,' good sir, hungry ones 'tis my calling to feed, 
And I love to supply such good things as you 
need." 

" But the reason you now are in pliable mood, 
Is a want of my flesh to supply you with food, 
But to ride in such craft as you would provide, 
I conclude, is unsafe, at this time to decide." 

" For though trained from my youth on the high 

seas to sail, 
Your most humble entreaties will scarcely avail. 
To awake in my mind a desire to embark. 
In the boat you provide, which is but alive shark," 



MORAL. 

Both, the shark and the negro, have now gone 

away, 
Leaving us to reflect upon what each did say, 
So peculiar the scene, and so strange the discourse. 
There must be a design some great truth to 

enforce. 



lO AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. 

Like the fable of ^^sop, where creatures con- 
verse, 

And whose speech has, for ages, been often 
rehearsed, 

That good lessons they taught, might be fixed 
in the mind, 

By the language they used for instruction designed. 

So this fable which tells of the shark and negro. 
Has a moral which all Christian people should 

know. 
It pertains to the man for the pulpit designed, 
And good people, who join in a church, combined. 

In this scene, the young man represents the 

Preacher, 
And the shark, denotes those who choose him as 

teacher, 
To some minds it may seem to be rather uncouth, 
To make pictures of people, like this one, forsooth. 

Where a monstrous great fish with his jaws open 

wide. 
Importuned a young negro in such craft to ride, 



AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. II 

Yet strange scenes quite like this, some good people 

enact, 
In the business, which they, with their Preachers 

transact, 

We have known some to claim that their churches 

must die, 
If the man they prefer at a stated supply, 
Does not yield to the wish, which as one they 

express. 
That himself, soul, body, they soon may possess. 

So absolved have they seemed, in this selfish desire, 
In great haste to possess just the man they admire, 
That we almost concluded the dear church will 

soon die. 
If the preacher does not with their wishes comply. 

Then the preacher, for whom the young negro 

would stand, 
Thinks it wisdom to learn why this pressing 

demand, 
Why himself is the one before others preferred, 
From whose lips he might hear of salvation, the 

word, 



12 AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. 

For he truly has known some such men as himself, 
In their zeal to do good, or perhaps for mere pelf. 
Yield themselves as a prey to the craving desire, 
Of the people who choose, or who seem to admire. 

Yet, when fixed to their tasks, there could be no 

release, 
Real rest for the body, or for the mind, peace. 
Mental toil, agitation, vexation and care. 
And so much public speaking for which to prepare, 

It has seemed quite in vain to be choice of their 

health. 
As those men can well do who are blessed with 

great wealth, 
Hence their bodily strength began early to fail. 
Or some fatal disease did their systems assail. 

So while borne thus along by the popular tide, 
They were merely preparing to be laid aside, 
With their funds mostly spent, and their health 

much impaired. 
As they flee from their charge, their good name 

should be spared. 



AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. 1 3 

Yet, to gossip and prattle, so many incline, 

With no malice at heart, or an evil design, 

But to talk of the Pastor, who served them a 

while. 
Whom they never should injure, and never revile. 

Yet the tales thoughtless persons so love to rehearse, 
Grow no better by moving, but rather grow worse, 
In so much that if gossip should start in one place, 
In the next, his fair fame the same tale might 
efface. 

There are also some people who know of no way, 
But to follow one course, for a month or a day^ 
Then to change right about, in the course they 

pursue. 
And discarding old things, demand other quite new, 

For a proper acquaintance they scarcely can wait, 
Ere they see some defect, or some fault to berate. 
And the very best men whom the church has 

produced, 
Have had faults for which they have been sadly 

traduced. 



14 AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. 

And those real defects of which some would 

complain, 
Might be cured, or endured, should the Preacher 

remain, 
Like fresh wounds on a horse, from the harness he 

wears, 
Sad defects do arise, from the burdens one bears. 

And these all might be healed were the tackling 

exchanged. 
Or the work he performs, in right way arranged. 
And so, too, when his temporal wants are supplied, 
Better food for the mind will our Preacher provide. 

One would think they presumed his own spiritual 

state, 
Will improve very much, while for funds he must 

wait. 
And perhaps for this cause they conclude to delay. 
That for his daily bread he in earnest must pray, 

But since he, of all men, must be kind and humble. 
Such perplexing delays should not cause him to 
grumble, 



AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. 1 5 

Yet when funds from himself to his neighbors are 

due, 
He must pay all his debts, like a good man and true. 

When the people desire good pastors to serve them, 
We do well to inquire whether they deserve them. 
For the man must expect much of grief and sorrow, 
If his friends of to-day become foes on the morrow. 

Quite another case too, we should bear well in mind. 
Before we to such fate become fully resigned, 
Not all men who desire public stations to fill. 
Have such minds as can guide other people at will, 

And if Pastor from people, must soon go away. 
To please some who dislike, and would not have 

him stay, 
We must know it will seem to himself a disgrace, 
To be thought not to be just the man for the place, 

So if he is received, as the one they desire, 
In the place to which duty led him to aspire. 
He can scarcely expect, though quite faithful 

and true, 
To receive all the credit which to him is due. 



1 6 AN OPENING FOR A CANDIDATE. 

Then, again, should he leave, and to other place go. 
He could not be received till the good people know, 
Why he did not remain, as a man would abide, 
With the lady prepared, as his pastor and bride, 

If the people he served, for a limited space, 
Thought him less than an angel, 'twould be a 

disgrace. 
For the birds of the air, bearing- tidings afar. 
By their evil reports, his fair fame might so mar 

That though all of his work may be done the 

best way. 
He can only expect for a short time to stay; 
Then whenever he goes in quest of employ 
He will find quite a faction to vex, and annoy. 

So from people, to people, good preachers must pass. 
And while fit for hard service be turned out to grass; 
Or, to make this relation conform to the facts. 
And display in true colors such impious acts, 

When fastidious people prefer a new man, 
He may find occupation wherever he can ; 



FAITHFUL "PRINCE. I 7 

Act as minute man, often, to help out his friends, 
But must not look to them for the money he spends. 

Among all of the churches his fortune may try, 
Till at last among strangers, his lot is to die. 
If young men have a mind in this work to embark, 
Let him think of the negro, and then think of 
the shark. 



FAITHFUL "PRINCE." 



"I would rather drive the old bay horse through mud six inches 
deep, every day of the week, than be looking after the interests of 
our feeble churches as now managed." This remark made in a 
prayer-meeting led to a challenge by a couple of young people to 
write a poem in honor of that faithful horse. Such a poem soon ap- 
peared in the Shore N'ews and was read with apparent satisfaction by 
many. 



Have you seen that bay horse, of whom it was 

decreed, 
He must traverse the streets with nice fllour and 

feed? 



1 8 FAITHFUL "PRINCE. 

On kind errands he goes to all parts of our town. 
And by much clever service is gaining renown. 

Now old Prince is so true he will pull every time, 
And deserves commendation in smoothest of rhyme ; 
Where he's left he will stand till his driver says, go I 
And quickly will halt when he hears the word, whoa. 

He has traveled through mud and has waded in 
snow, 

While attending to needful repairs ; 
And we need not here tell that he did his work well, 

And was faithful in all his affairs. 

Such a horse as old bay, on the road every day, 

Various tasks in his line to fulfill, 
Should have excellent care, and a very large share 

Of the produce that comes from the mill. 

Now old Prince has a magic few horses possess, 
When he passes through Wolcott, the people to 

bless, 
If he leaves but a sack of the very best flour, 
In this sack, or in Prince, we discover great power, 



FAITHFUL "PRINCE.'' I9 

The good wife for a time has been feeHng quite 

sour, 
And has raised a great breeze by her teasing for 

flour ; 
But a sight of old Prince now so alters the case, 
That a smile most complacent enlivens her face. 

We are sure that one man, as he ordered his flour, 
Said his people should have it in less than an hour, 
For a storm was then rising which might be severe, 
And some words, as he left, had excited his fear, 

That it might not be safe to be seen very near, 
Until after "old Prince at his door should appear, 
And there leave what would make choicest bread 

of this life. 
Such as they must soon have, or there might be 

great strife. 

Very soon there was heard a loud rap at the door, 
And the lady, assured that her trouble was o'er, 
Very soon thought the husband might as well come, 
For the bread would be ready and he could have 
some. 



20 FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 

In said household firm peace was so readily made 
By a visit old bay then so quickly paid, 
We concluded he must be a firm friend to our race, 
And will find many patrons in our business place. 

When he passes through town, as all know, we 

may say, 
If the boys wish a ride, they just go for the sleigh. 
Such a horse as old Prince, doing service for all, 
Both the young and the old, for the great and 

the small, 

Is a friend solid money can't easily buy; 

Look you, then, for deep sorrow when old Prince 

shall die ! 
If a Heaven awaits such good horses as he. 
Up in Heaven, ere long, his fixed home must be. 



FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 



Our wondrous age is getting fast. 
It much excels all that have past. 
In style as well as speed, 



FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 21 

And those who love society 
Find use for great variety 

Of things they seem to need. 

Hence, those who in our day would shine, 
Good taste and judgment must combine, 

In all that is selected. 
Our clothing now must all be fine, 
Neatness and taste our dress combine. 

If we would be respected. 

When short of this we seek high stations. 
We fall short, too, of needed rations, 

For -we should be rejected. 
Though well prepared to act our part 
With ready mind and willing heart, 

We could not be elected. 

In the halcyon days of yore 

None thought of carpets for the floor. 

The houses, too, were plain ; 
But now each one must have the best 
Of which the country is possessed, 

Of brussels, or ingrain. 



FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 

Nice paper, too, adorns the walls ; 
Door bells are hung to answer calls, 

And easy chairs provided. 
Sofas, and counterpanes, and mats. 
And racks in halls for coats and hats 

Must never be derided. 

Dishes they have of costly styles, 
All stored away in ample piles 

With silver forks and spoons ; 
Tables and stands, with marble tops, 
All* neat and new, right from the shops, 

Adorn the choicest rooms. 

Nice maps of county, town and State, 
The best there is, of recent date, 

Must all hang in their places. 
With mirrors we must be supplied, — 
Of these we cannot be denied. 

For friends must see their faces. 

Pianos of the sweetest tone 
That e'er were made, or ever known. 
The Misses all admire, 



FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 23 

That on them they may learn to play, 
While they are active, young and gay. 
For friends who may desire. 

Those who in music take delight 
Deem it expedient and right 

To pay so much for teaching. 
That of the funds on which they live 
Nothing is left for them to give. 

Or pay, for gospel preaching. 

With pressing wants thus to supply, 
The preacher must himself deny, 

And .fall behind his patrons ; 
His style of living must be plain, 
Or some will think him rather vain 

Of ancient men and matrons. 

His earnings must be freely spent ; 
On this the world are quite intent, — 

He must be always giving; 
For wants of age he must not care, 
Nor for infirmities prepare. 

But use up all in living. 



24 FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 

So, if he's thought to lay aside 
In bonds or dollars, to provide 

For his declining years, 
His patrons will withhold supplies, 
Or else some artful means devise 

To bring him in arrears ; 

And were he able to secure 
A large supply of furniture. 

For comfort and for use. 
At auction it would go for naught, 
Or over rough roads, being brought, 

Be subject to abuse. 

If now men journey far away, 

They ride in cars, both night and day, 

As fast as they desire ; 
Hundreds of miles each day their speed. 
Drawn by a stately iron steed, 

Whose provender is iire. 

And then, as was not done of yore, 
Send lightning messages before, 

To friends who would receive them ; 



FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 25 

And when they tell how fast they go, 
Even to those who fully know, 
They scarcely can believe them. 

To largest cities all can ride, 

Visit good friends who there reside, 

And latest fashions learn ; 
Those styles which there they much admire, 
Awake in them a strong desire 

To practice on return. 

Whene'er a Sabbath there they spend, 
The largest churches they attend 

And -hear some noted preacher — 
Bethune, or Cuyler, Cox or Spring, 
Chapin, or Dewey, Hawks, or Tyng, 

And end, of course, with Beecher. 

When to their homes they come again, 
Their minds are filled with city men. 

Of whom they love to tell. 
They wish their own at home could be 
As great a man as they did see, — 

And act his part as well. 



26 FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 

Had they but kept him well supplied 
With means which people should provide, 

Much larger he had grown ; 
Yet, they demand that he must leave, 
However much his friends may grieve, 

And go to parts unknown. 

When pastors do not entertain 

The people where they would remain. 

As their religious teachers ; 
They ought to learn the reason why 
The teaching should appear so dry, 

Of those who serve as preachers. 

When draughts are constant on the brain. 
There must from some source be a gain 

To keep a good supply ; 
Else those who to the fountain go, 
Will find the muddy waters flow. 

Or cisterns pumped quite dry. 

When people loved to stay at home, 
And had no means abroad to roam, 
The masses seemed content. 



FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 27 

While listening always to one preacher, 
As their own religious teacher, 
When to the church they went ; 

But since, of late, they rove about, 
We would not even seem to doubt, 

That minds by moving grow ; 
Hence, those who furnish mental food, 
Must always be in proper mood 

To tell what they would know. 

Good preachers now are overtasked, 
And of them constant service asked, 

To feed the public mind ; 
And while they need a large supply 
Of sacred books which they must buy, 

And papers well designed. 

To keep the mind in right condition. 
And help them fill their high position. 

Themselves they must deny. 
In strict obedience to the law, 
Of those who Avill not furnish straw, 

The bricks they must supply. 



28 FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 

Now with such learning' as prepares 
The minds of men for weighty cares. 

The preacher is supphed ; 
But books he needs for preparation 
To do the work of his high station, 

He often is denied. 

In other things he is behind, 

As well as books to feed the mind, 

And make the ideas flow ; 
He has not funds abroad to roam, 
Or, journey far aAvay from home, 

To learn what he should know. 

So now, when giant minds are claimed, 
Or, men of larger talent famed. 

The pulpits to supply ; 
Mere dwarfs of preachers some would .make, 
While from them mental food we take, 

And means of growth deny. 

This evil, which they can't endure. 
They should by all means, try to cure, 
And have the preacher stay. 



FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 

He will not make a larger man, 
Though he may do the best he can, 
By bemg sent away. 

Yet, if a few prefer a change, 
The Pastor must his plans arrange 

To seek another place ; 
Opposing factions may be weak, 
But preachers must be always meek. 

And yield with ready grace. 

The spacious field he cultivates, 
And where a harvest he awaits 

Froni seed that he has sown ; 
He leaves for other hands to till. 
By dictate of their sovereign will. 

Which they to him make known. 

To this we then may look in vain, 
For choicest fruit and ripening grain. 

As products of his toil ; 
But weeds and thistles there abound. 
Strewn thickly over all the ground. 

The fields of grain to spoil. 



29 



FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 

No preacher now upon the station, 

The church in sad dilapidation, 

A moral waste or desolation, 

Quite like a farm or small plantation. 

Left wholly without cultivation. 

When things are in such situation, 

A man is sought for this location, 

As good as any in the nation. 

Of all who follow this vocation, 

At least in his denomination ; 

One, ready always there to stay, 

Who can work hard without his pay. 

And meet expenses every day 

From cool November until May, 

And then put up with great delay. 

In those quite fond of such display, 

That Sunday clothes they wear each day, 

And houses furnish in a way 

More suited to the rich and gay. 

Than to the meek who love to pray. 

Now, those who to large towns repair 
And feast at times on city fare, 

Should learn what makes ereat men. 



FAST AGE AND FAST MEN. 3 1 

The cause we name in simple rhyme, 
When country pastor has a dime, 
The city one has ten, 

Nice horses, too, of choicest kind, 
Quite suited their turn of mind, 

In cities, meet their eye ; 
If sight of these make them aspire 
To gratify a strong desire, 

A pair of them to buy. 

'Tvvere well to think of care and feed. 
To keep them sleek and give them speed. 

Else, they would cease to shine; 
If oats are wanting, we may see, 
What best of horses soon will be, — 

Their head to ground incline. 

Now of good provender and care. 
Which generous men would never spare. 

They have a large supply. 
Much more of labor, less of feed. 
Would m.ake a stately looking steed 

Seem just about to die. 



32 EASY RHYMES FOR LITTLE P^OLKS. 

In this we see an illustration, 
Which needs no special application, 

Its bearing is so plain ; 
Yet when we'd have the people learn 
To practice what they well discern, 

We trv almost in vain. 



EASY RHYMES FOR LITTLE FOLKS. 



If I were now a little boy, 
From seven years old to ten, 

With real zest I'd do my best. 
And study like the men. 

But if I were a little girl, 

I'd lay aside my toys. 
And show to all, both great and small, 

How girls can match the boys. 

So boys and girls, in early life. 
Should now the strife begin, 



EASY RHYMES FOR LITTLE FOLKS. 

And let us know by seed they sow, 
Who best deserve to win. 

If now I were a nice young man, 

Just starting out in Hfe, 
Among the pretty maidens, 

I'd seek me out a wife. 

For then it would be pleasant 

Such duty to fulfill, 
And often it has been declared, 

Each jack must have a jill. 

So, too, in Revelation, 

It hath been fully shown, 

It is not very good. 
For man to be alone. 

But, if among the fair sex, 
My lot on earth were cast, 

I would not care to be a bride, 
Before my teens were past. 

Nor would I marry any man 
Whose habits were not right, 



34 EASY RHYMES FOR LITTLE FOLKS. 

Lest by his vile indulgence, 
My prospects he might blight. 

I'd try to do some other way, 
To meet the wants of life. 

Than fasten to a whisky jug, 
To gain the name of wife. 

If Jen and I should join our hands. 
To walk the path of life, 

We both would do the best we can. 
And have no other strife. 

And when we reach the river, 
That marks our journey's end. 

We hope a risen Savior, 
Will prove a trusty friend. 

And take us to some mansion, 
Before his great white throne, 

Where we may join in pleasures, 
Which here must be unknown. 



TO DR. EATON AND WIFE, 



TO DR. EATON AND WIFE. 

Palmyra, N. Y., Jan. 24, 1874. 
Rev. Armon Spencer: 

The Members of the Church and Congregation of the Presbyterian 
Church of Pahiiyra, appreciating the long and valuable services of 
their Pastor, Rev. Horace Eaton, D. D., for the last twenty-five 
years, and wishing to express their gratitude to the Great Head of 
the Church for sparing him so long, will hold a Social Re-union, with 
friends and members of the Church and Congregation at their Chapel, 
Thursday, February 5th, 1874, at 2 o'clock P. M. Evening Services 
at 7:30. 

You are cordially invited to be present to commemorate this event. 
Please reply. Robert Johnson, Jr. 

Fred. W. Clemens, 
S. R. McIntyre. 

Greetings of Rev. Armon Spencer, of Byron, .■ Mich. , to Rev. 
Horace Eaton, D. D., and wife, of Palmyra, N. Y., Feb. 5, 1874. 

To the faithful Pastor 

And his loving wife, 
Who have shared together 

Toils of public life, 

Till a grateful people 

Fix upon a day, 
When the highest honors 

All to them may pay. 



36 TO DR. EATON AND WIFE. 

And some public speakers 
May their deeds rehearse. 

Greetings I would offer, 
In the form of verse. 

Not because, as Poet, 
I would gain renown, 

Passing such effusions 
To that far off town. 

But their deeds of kindness. 
And their friendly ways, 

Now, so well remembered. 
Call for words of praise. 

For, when stationed near them, 
They would always share 

Labors for the Master 
With the greatest care. 

Counsels they have given, 
Wise as I have known. 

Comforts of their dwelling, 
Seemed almost my own. 



TO DR. EATON AND WIFE. },'] 

Often, at their table, 

Was I freely fed, 
In their " Prophet's' chamber," 

Found a welcome bed. 

Hence, in measured numbers, 

Would I speak their praise, 
Tell of many favors. 

During by-gone days. 

People of Palmyra, 

On this festal day, 
Fix upon them honors, 

Which will last for aye. 

When you gather laurels, 

Plucked from far and near, 
These, my humble stanzas. 

Should with them appear. 

Were this now the season. 

Flowers fair hands would strew 

Along the narrow way. 
Where they prefer to go. 



38 TO DR. EATON AND WIFE. 

On your bounteous tables, 
Largest vases stand, 

Filled with fragrant emblems, 
Grown throughout the land. 

Honors you now pay them, 
I would love to share. 

And the largest handfulls, 
For some vase prepare. 

Then, a nice selection, 
Strew along the way, 

Emblems of good feeling, 
On that festal day. 

Equal be the honors, 
To that worthy pair. 

Matched so well for labor. 
And the people's care. 

Only seen in contrast, 

Can their works be known, 

They in double harness. 
Others work alone. 



TO DR. EATON AND WIFE. 39 

Favored is your Pastor, 

More than most of men, 
Marked are all his sermons, 

By his partner's pen. 

Peace and plenty five and twenty 

Years, have been enjoyed. 
Not with quarrels, nor with movings. 

Were those happy years annoyed. 

People, Pastor, pulpit, 

Providence provides. 
People paying, praying, 

Pastor long abides. 

Honored by that people. 

Whose kind deeds abound. 
Few so able, or so stable. 

In these days are found. 

Such a Pastor, be such people, 

Many years so fully tried. 
May be in the same position, 

During coming years preside. 



40 RECEPTION POEM. 

Toiling on in sacred calling, 
Seeking precious souls to save, 

Never swerving from his duly, 
Till he fills an honored grave. 

Though by age he be disabled, 
And unfit for many cares, 

May he live to see you prosper. 
Do you good by earnest prayers. 

Till as people with your Pastor, 
Higher life shall be begun, 

And you each receive the plaudit, 
" Good and faithful," all " well done. 



RECEPTION POEM. 



Greeting to the Rev. William A. Rice, in behalf of 

the Presbytereaii Church of Wolcott, Wayne 

County, N. Y., June 6th, i8yo. 

I. 
At the service of God we are happy to meet you, 
As our Pastor elect, we are happy to greet you, 



RECEPTION POEM. 



41 



111 the name of the Master thrice welcome, we say, 
And as Pastor with us many years may you stay- 

II. 

Many sick you will visit, their sorrows will share. 
And to God will commend them, by most earnest 

prayer, 
So, when death claims its victims, with friends 

you will weep. 
And their eyes you will close for their last and 

long sleep. 

III. 

When we weep for the dying, or bury our dead. 
Your own mind will suggest the right words to 

be said. 
Real Pilgrims to Heaven you will guide on their 

way, 
And urge others to start without any delay. 

IV. 

When to God's sacred altar young children are 

brought. 
And for them Heaven's blessing is earnestly sought, 



42 RECEPTION POEM. 

Then the covenant-seal your own hands will apply. 
Though to babes this high honor some preachers 
deny. 

V. 

We presu'nne coming years will be full of good 

works 

Which for others will need to be done, 

But to patrons no service more pleasure will yield, 

Than when two loving hearts you make one. 

VI. 

If with sinners you meet and the story repeat, 
How the Savior once suffered and died, 

You will urge them to claim choicest gifts in His 
name 
Which it cost him so much to provide. 

VII. 
Then, come in when you will, and your duties 
fumil 
In the ofifice to which you are called ; 
In due time may we meet you, and more heartily 
greet you, 
As our own worthy pastor installed. 



THE WORLD AND THE SOUL. ' 43 

VIIL 
This position you fill in response to His will, 

Whom, as Maker and Ruler, we own. 
Among Kings of this earth of the most Royal 

birth, 
Not a higher than this can be known. 

■ IX. 

May this work which you now undertake, 
And in which many Christians will share, 

Be so seasoned by patience and love, 
And encouraged by faith and by prayer, 



That the God whom we worship may own 
Our endeavors to harvest that grain, 

Which must come from good seed lately sown, 
Then your labors will not be in vain. 



THE WORLD AND THE SOUL. 

This world is often prized too high 
By mortal man, who soon must die, 



44 THE WORLD AND THE SOUL. 

For fields and herds, and choicest gold, 

And all there is of wealth untold, 

Can yield no bliss of solid kind, 

Or give contentment to the mind. 

There's always wanting something more, 

Some real good to keep in store ; 

Some good which wealth can never buy. 

For mortal man so soon to die. 

And could this world be all attained. 

Its countless stores by one be gained, 

Those lands that reach from pole to pole, 

Could ne'er redeem a single soul. 

Then all of earth we can secure, 

How short a time it will endure: 

For, when our race on eartn is run. 

All we possess below the sun 

Will vanish in an hour. 

But on, the soul it never dies ! 

And in this fact its value lies. 

For when at length it drops its clay, 

On seraph wings it flies away 

To Heaven, where God and angels dwell ; 

Or hears its doom and sinks to hell. 

No one can say how much he's lost. 



" GIVE ME JESUS." 45 

Who gains the world at such a cost; 

For, heaven and life but once disdained, 

Can never by the soul be gained. 

Then let this fact be understood 

By mortal man, both bad and good, 

That worlds on worlds, at highest cost, 

Can ne'er redeem a soul that's lost. 

And he who barters it for gain. 

Or pard'ning mercy doth disdain, 

Will find too late how much he's lost, 

Who gains the world at such a cost. 



"GIVE ME JESUS." 

" Give me Jesus, and you may have the rest." This sentiment 
vi^as expressed in a prayer meeting, and on two or three occasions, 
was the subject of remarks which led to thoughts afterwards, and 
finally to the following poem : 

" Give me Jesus, and you may have all the rest," 
All the goods that on earth can by man be 

possessed, 
All the silver and gold, all the houses and land, 
Any miser would crave or the great could command. 



46 " GIVE ME JESUS." 

All that springs from the earth, all that floats on 

the seas, 
Which might help us to live in true comfort 

and ease. 
So a mansion, most costly, on earth we could 

build. 
And with elegant furniture, have it well filled, 

Yet, we know this could not for one moment 

compare 
With the mansion our Saviour has gone to prepare ; 
All of these to mere worldlings we freely would 

leave, 
And our portion in heaven prepare to receive, 

W^here the Savior has gone a fixed home to provide, 
And where all of his people can with him abide, 
If we only can stand on that beautiful shore, 
Where the cares of this life can not trouble us more. 

Where the saints of all ages with transport will 
meet 

Their Savior and brethren in friendship com- 
plete, 



OUR PURITAN FATHERS. 47 

When they each, fully clad in their robes of pure 

white, 
Will encircle the throne so resplendent with light. 

And their crowns each will cast at Immanuel's feet, 
While the song of redemption with joy they repeat. 
The glad song highest angels could not comprehend 
Though in heaven a myriad of ages they spend. 

If we can but unite in that beautiful song 
Which the ransomed with rapture will love to 

prolong, 
Then a message will send from the realms of the 

blessed, 
" Give me Jesus, and you may have all of the rest." 



OUR PURITAN FATHERS. 

Born to a noble heritage, 
In wondrous land and wondrous age, 
A people so renowned. 



48 OUR PURITAN FATHERS. 

We love our origin to trace, 
And sing the virtues of the race, 
With reverence profound. 

Not like some people we might name. 
Who scarce can tell from whence they came. 

Or, who were their grandsires, 
Whose records are completely lost, 
And can't be found, though at great cost. 

To meet their strong desires ; 

But, our own lineage is known. 
As, by true records, can be shown ; 

For centuries we trace it, — 
To virtue's cause always allied. 
Though oft by persecution tried, 

Hence, we should all embrace it. 

Not, as mere refuse, or the scum, 
Did they from distant nations come 

To people this fair land ; 
But for men so choice and gifted, 
The eastern continent was sifted. 
As if by God's own hand. 



OUR PURITAN FATJIERS. 49 

True Puritans our fathers were, 

And freedom was their constant care ; 

Hence, as birthright, it is ours, 
And while their blood flows in our veins 
We ought to use the greatest pains 

To preserve it with our powers. 

They periled all upon the ocean, 
Impelled, we doubt not, by devotion 

To principles they cherished. 
The first winter, without home. 
In woods where savage men did roam, 

One-half their number perished. 

Their tender children and their wives 
By tomahawks, and scalping knives. 

Were kept in trepidation; 
Mid numerous perils to be feared, 
With wondrous faith they persevered, 
And laid a broad foundation 

On which was reared, in after years. 
With pious hopes and many fears, 
A free and happy nation. 



so OUR PURITAN FATHERS. 

That feeble band, upon the coast, 
Became a great and mighty host 
For freedom's vindication. 

With mighty forests to subdue. 
When all this continent was new, 

And homes to rear with all, 
They always taught their growing youth, 
To honor God and love the truth, 

While yet they were but small. 

Those principles our fathers taught 
Are, in our minds, so fully wrought, 

They cannot be effaced ; 
Should we, descended from such sires, 
Quench all the zeal their name inspires, 

And let it be disgraced ? 

Well might we blush and hide our face 
Nor claim the lineage of their race, 

While boasting of our knowledge ; 
They did the very best they could. 
That preachers might be wise and good. 

And reared for them a collep-e. 



OUR PURITAN FATHERS. 5 I 

Instead of building spacious halls 
With brick and stone, for solid walls, 

Of logs the first they reared, — 
So needed, in their estimation, 
To preachers in a growing nation, 

True learning then appeared ; 

And so that many might arise 

Of their own sons, pious and wise, 

Their country to adorn, 
They took the bag, and went around. 
And when the cash could not be found, 

They claimed a peck of corn. 

No one presumed a single year 
Would be as long as they would hear 

The kind familiar voice 
Of him who taught them wisdom's ways, 
And led in sacred prayer and praise, — 

The preacher of their choice. 

The pastor was the people's pride, 
And for his wants they would provide 
As well as they were able ; 



52 OUR PURITAN FATHERS. 

Put house and lands at his command, 
All nicely fitted to his hand, 
And help supply his table. 

They'd have him spend the whole of life. 
As man would live with chosen wife, 

To his own people joined ; 
Always by each one much admired, 
And by the people all desired, — 

As specie newly coined. 

By him the children were baptized, 
And at fixed timas were catechised 

From primer learned by heart. 
So, kindly fostered by his care, 
The youth endeavored to prepare 

As men, to act their part. 

The Sabbath-day was then revered ; 
To ^desecrate it, people feared. 

By work or recreation ; 
They would not hunt, or fish, or sport. 
Or go abroad, merely to court. 

By private visitation. 



THE FREEDMAN S TRIUMPH. 53 

God's sacred Book they loved to read, 
And its good precepts they would heed 

More than some now desire ; 
Whole townships then would come together, 
And wor-;hip God in coldest weather. 

Without a stove or fire. 

Such zeal is never shown of late. 
Since men despise the pastorate, 

And often him who fills it. 
The preacher for a single year, 
The people scarcely could revere, 

Howe'er the bishop wills it. 



THE FREEDMAN'S TRIUMPH. 



While the war of the Rebellion was in progress, there came from 
Virginia a full-blooded African, some fifteen years of age. After the 
battle of Bull Run he had come over to our side, and, soon there- 
after, to the village of Williamson, N. Y. There he attended church 
and Sunday school, and while boys were rehearsing pieces for a Sunday 
school review, he asked the privilege of speaking with them. " How 
could you, Reuben? you cannot read, and how could you speak, 
without first reading and committing to memory ?" 

" I would like to speak," said he, just as though it could be done. 
The following verses were soon prepared for him to rehearse as repre- 
sentative of his race, and he did his part well; after the statement was 
made to the audience : — " This young man has learned his alphabet 
since he came to town." 



54 THE FREEDMAN'S TRIUMPH. 

We colored men so long enslaved, 

As freemen -now rejoice; 
And unto God our homage raise 

With cheerful heart and voice. 

In bondage worse than Israel knew, 
Our people all were held ; 

To toil for masters without pay. 
Whole millions were compelled. 

The auction block, the drivers' whip. 
And blood-hounds, too, were used ; 

Mo one but God could fully know 
How many were abused. 

To him in humble prayer we looked 
For freedom and redress, — 

To him our grateful thanks we owe, 
For what we now possess. 

We soon shall learn to spell and read, 
And know our Bible well, 

And how to shun these wicked ways, 
That lead to death and hell. 



THE FREEDMAN'S TRIUMPH. 55 

Our thanks to God, our thanks to you, 

Like men we now are used ; 
You pay us well for work we do. 

And we are not abused. 

An equal chance for colored boys, 

With others in the race. 
May try the intellect of some. 

If with us they keep pace. 

Good men we always mean to be. 

So faithful, kind and true. 
You'll wish to have us stay for years, 

Work for, and live with you. 

So long as God is on his throne, 

And Lincoln in the chair, 
Our freedom will be quite secure — 

They make our cause their care. 

Ten thousand thanks to God, 

The ruler of all nations, 
And thanks to Lincoln, too. 

For his good proclamations. 



56 PLEA FOR PROHIBITION. 



PLEA FOR PROHIBITION. 

Let temperance men now take position, 
If sure progress they would gain ; 

Nothing short of Prohibition 
Can their ends so well attain. 

Prohibition is the watchword, 
Print it large, and rear it high ; 

Then, let all be well united, 
And to gain this object, try. 

.If, at first, you seem defeated. 
And your end is not attained, 

Try again at each election, 
Until sure success is gained. 

Talk for Temperance seems but folly, 
When a license can be bought ; 

Hence, to kill the License System, 
Hardest battles must be fought ; 



PLEA FOR PROHIBITION. 57 

For, a license to sell liquor, 

Venders' conscience satisfies. 
Hence, with this in full possession, 

Temperance efforts the}^ despise. 

But when laws are made to check them, 

And no license can be had, 
Venders ahyays are uneasy. 

And at times are very sad. 

Many leaders of old parties 

During scores of years were tried, 

But, so often have they failed us, 
We cannot, for them, decide. 

If each man would do his duty. 

And from this could not be swerved, 

Less of caution would be needed. 
When high honors are conferred. 

Yet, we find most men are selfish, 

And when office we ensure, 
They will act to please their party, 

Or some selfish end secure. 



58 PLEA FDR PROHIBITION. 

So we scarcely dare to trust them 
While they make our sacred laws. 

And profess a true attachment, 

To the glorious temperance cause. 

After votes have all been counted, 
Though we chance to fall behind. 

We shall know by this election, 

Our full strength when well combined. 

Politicians will be mindful 

Of the votes we can command — 

And will know how they should treat us 
When we make a firm demand. 

Thai good laws shall be enacted, 

Sale of liquors to abate, 
And prevent so much of drinking. 

In our glorious Empire State. 



A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 



A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE- 
WHEEL. 

AN ALLEGORY. 



Some years ago my watch was for several days acting in a wav 
that attracted my attention. Though appearing in good condition 
and ready to start off nicely as soon as it was wound, not long after 
it would manifest a weakness of movement and shortly cease to go. 
A jeweler, on dissecting it, showed me the main-spring in two sepa- 
rate parts. This reminded me of some churches of my acquaintance, 
and led to the writing of the following poem. 



A youthful friend, now in his teens. 

Was well supplied with ample means 

To buy what he desired. 

Of various toys that he could find 

Gold watches seemed the best designed 

To be by him admired. 

So up to town one day he went, 
With ardent mind and full intent 
To make a watch his own. 



6o A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 

The jewel shops he searched quite through. 
In quest of dial nice and true, — 
As good as e'er was known. 

At length he found what he desired, 
And paid the cash as he aspired 

For watch all neat and new. 
The work was right, the wheels all bright ; 
It pleased his sight and caused delight, 

By movement nice and true. 

He thought no other could be found, 
In all the country, far around, 

So pleasing to the sight. 
Its qualities he loved to praise 
And on its workmanship to gaze, 

With wonder and delight. 

He wished good friends might all be told 
About that watch of choicest gold,^ — 

How nicely it would go. 
He wished a louder tick to hear, 
Sounding from pocket up to ear, — 

A tick which all would know. 



A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 6l 

"The balance-wheel is that," qouth he, 
" As all who view the work must see, 
Which regulates the sound ; 
Makes all the movements nice and quick, 
Gives strength and action to the tick 
And makes the house resound." 

So to the town, again he hastes. 
And money on the watch he wastes, 

To have it so arranged. 
That it would make a louder noise. 
And seem a wonder to the boys, 

With balance-wheel exchanged. 

Yet modest tick is all he hears, 

Which ne'er can reach his neighbors' ears, 

And scarce can reach his own. 
This does not meet his strong desires, 
For watch he ardently admires 

Should be to others known. 

Again the magic work he scans, 
The moving wheels, the moving hands, 
Propelled by hidden spring : 



62 A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 

True time it measures, as before, 
Just all there is, and nothing more. 
Nor louder will it ring. 

Like nearly all unskilfnl boys, 

He looks for power where there is noise, 

And thinks that wheel to blame 
Which, made to balance all the rest. 
Should be of wondrous power possessed. 

And spread abroad his fame. 

As though defects, if such there be, 
Were always in the part we see 

And none concealed from sight. 
So very strange, his youthful notion. 
That whatsoe'er might be its motion. 

He could not think it right. 

The artist then he criticised. 

And hoped the work he had devised 

Much louder noise would make ; 
And, rather than in this be foiled. 
He'd have the watch completely spoiled. 

And out the wheel he'd take. 



A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 63 

Then of its value, who can tell ? 

The watch which measured time so well 

No balance-wheel can show. 
What means can animate its powers, 
And point us to the passing hours. 

Since it has ceased to go? 

So, by most minds it now is seen, 
The balance-wheel to the machine 

Makes all its presence feel. 
The watch thus spoken of in rhyme 
Will neither tick, nor measure time. 

For want of balance-wheel. 



MORAL. 

This fable is designed to show 

Some moral truths which all should know,- 

They underlie my story. 
All who would learn the lesson well. 
And to their friends the moral tell. 

Should scan the allegory. 



64 A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL 

Parts of the watch, personified, 
To each would be a certain guide, 

The moral to discern. 
So if to some it seem quite new, 
Such ones should read the fable through, 

And what it teaches, learn. 

The watch of gold denotes the people, 
And edifice with lofty steeple 

The case enshrining it. 
To this they go on Sabbath days 
To offer prayer and sacred praise, 

While in its courts they sit. 

This edifice is not adorned 

Like that of Jews, who always scorned 

To worship at no cost. 
But to their altar brought the best 
Of which their country was possessed. 

And never deemed it lost. 

When settled in the promised land, 
They reared a house at God's command, 
Built of the choicest stone. 



A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 65 

And cedar-wood adorned with gold, 
As well as silver, we are told, — 
As good as e'er was kno^vn. 

Yet pious men in modern days 
Presume to offer prayer and praise 

In houses void of taste. 
For churches rarely would they pay 
More than for barns to store their hay. 

Because they'd deem it waste. 

Yet costly mansions will they build. 
And have the rooms completely filled 

With -furniture admired ; 
Such as princes would procure. 
Good as money could secure, 

Such people have desired. 

Then having such a house or self, 
They'd dig and delve for paltry pelf. 

And hoard funds for their heirs. 
The means most artful they'd devise 
To gain for future, large supplies, 

And multiply their cares. ■ 



66 A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL 

Thus would they strive with eager haste 
To gather gold, which children waste 

In giddy dissipation, 
And, while forgetful of their God, 
They go to church to sleep and nod, — 

Their children for flirtation. 

The main-spring is the motive power 
Which moves the watch to give the hour, 

And all its moments speak. 
Its constant pulling at the wheel 
Makes every part its presence feel, 

Unless it is too weak. 

The tick is often very low, 

And all the movements quite too slow 

To mark how time sweeps by ; 
The cause of this we wish to know. 
Since balance-wheel plays to and fro, 

Or seems, at least, to try. 

Search, now, the cause of this defect. 
And in the main-spring we detect 

What no one thought of naming. 



A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 67 

That spring which the machine should move, 
When nicely scanned, we fully prove 
Is worthy most of blaming. 

Though made, we know, of choicest steel, 
'Tis quite too small to give each wheel 

The power of locomotion. 
Besides, 'tis broken quite in two. 
And what can those short pieces do 

To keep the wheels in motion. 

For, since the spring is in two parts. 
The watch moves feebly when it starts. 

And soon must cease to go ; 
Yet, while it is concealed from sight 
Tyros presume it is all right. 

So little do they know. 

In Christian churches we have seen 
Such tardy movements as machine 

Would make with broken spring. 
When each one will not do his part 
With ready mind and willing heart. 

Nor tithes to store-house brin^. 



68 A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 

When people's strength is all combined 
To do good work for them designed, 

And each his office fill, 
Each one the other's burden bears, 
And brother lightens brother's cares 

With ready mind and will. 

Advancement every hour is made, 
While prayer ascends for heavenly aid 

To Him who gives success; 
But when they will not thus unite, 
And each attempts his work to slight, 

Jehovah will not bless. 

While all do not unite as one 

In Christian work that must be done, 

And with entire devotion. 
The weakness of the church is seen. 
As when defects in a machine 

Retard its onward motion. 

The hero of this allegory, 
A youth not known to history 
Yet famous in, our day. 



A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 

Who, at a very large expense 
And with no proper recompence. 
Changed balance-wheel away, 

Cognomen takes from this our nation. 
And is well known through all creation 

As " Young America." 
We wonder at so strange a plan 
Of any youth, or any man. 

To make a great display. 

And when we saw he was in haste 

To change that wheel, and money waste, 

We thought he was insane. 
We counseled him to be content. 
And tried such folly to prevent, 

Yet counsels were in vain. 

This youthful friend will represent, 
In actions, public sentiment 

Of churches in our day 
Seeking for men of great renown. 
To preach in their peculiar town. 

And make a great display. 



/O A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 

Their faithful pastors they would spare. 
Nor for them longer will they care, — 

Those men so kind and true. 
Against them members now combine, 
And then, of course, they must resign. 

And give place to the new. 

Our preacher is the balance-wheel. 
And wisest men begin to feel 

That changes are destructive. 
They think it needful to devise 
Some better means to make men wise, 

And all the fields productive. 

Rotation does not suit their taste, 
And it requires so large a waste 

They cannot well endure it. 
Hence they prefer some better way, 
And so would have their preacher stay. 

If they could well secure it. 

They'd rather have their chosen man 
And let him do the best he can, 
In work to be effected, 



A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEl,. 7 1 

Than please their ears with something new, 
Which may be false instead of true. 
And fit to be rejected. 

So, too, if one is called to preach, 
And of the great salvation teach, 

That souls may be converted. 
Their funds good friends should freely give, 
That by this labor he may live, 

Nor from it be diverted. 

This rule the Lord has fore-ordained. 
That men who preach shall be sustained, 

And '" of the gospel, too "; 
So when the heavens would withhold 
All needful means, as Avell as gold. 

They know what else to do. 

If, then, all means of living fail, 
And gospel-preaching won't avail. 

To keep them from starvation, 
'Tis right their calling to forsake, 
And in their hands their knapsacks take, 

And wander o'er the nation, 



Z A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 

Proclaiming every where the cause, 
Why, in obedience to the laws 

Which God has instituted, 
The gospel they have ceased to preach. 
And of the great salvation teach 

To those who won't be suited. 

A wondrous sight we then might see, 
When all good preachers would be free. 

As if by God's command. 
They'd not lie idle on the shelf, 
Thus doing nothing for dear self, 

But trundle o'er the land. 

Unless, perchance, it were arranged 

That preachers' work shall all be changed. 

And each be fixed in stations. 
We'd better have set times to change. 
And large assemblies to arrange 

For Preachers' situations, 

Than have so many go about 
In sad perplexity and doubt 
Respecting destinations, 



A WATCH WITHOUT A BALANCE-WHEEL. 73 

Spending their time and money, too. 
In learning what they yet can do. 
Or looking for locations. 

Like yearly gatherings of boys, 
Who deal in jewelry and toys. 

Their balance-wheels to change. 
Those large assemblies might decide 
Where each good pastor should reside, 

And work for all arrange. 

Much preaching talent must be lost, 
And very great will be the cost 

While churches are so fickle. 
Yet, blind to this, all seem to be 
So very blind they cannot see, 

If but their ears we tickle. 



74 HYMENEAL POEM. 



HYMENEAL POE] 



The following verses are a part of a correspondence, which led to 
a happy union between Rev. Armon Spencer, of Wolcott, N. Y., 
and Mrs. Lydia Clarissa Partridge, of Newark, N. Y., and which 
was consummated by a wedding at her home in Newark, on the 24th 
day of November, 1880. Friends will please accept their assurance 
of a cordial welcome at said residence, when they find it convenient 
to call. 



Do )'ou my hand accept, 
The path of Hfe to walk, 

And put in plainest writing 
What was begun in talk? 

My v^ery best endeavors 

In future you can claim, 
For these must go together 

With heart and hand and naine. 

Let these be well united 

With buildings, goods and lands ; 
All we possess with God to bless, 

The labors of our hands, 



HYMENEAL POEM. 75 

Should fill our hearts with courage 

To meet the wants of life. 
As partners of our pilgrimage, — 

A husband and his wife. 

The man who looks for wisdom 

From Him who rules above, 
May safely claim the lady 

Whom most he seems to love, 

And try to win her favor, 

With all her friends beside. 
Though many, at the outset. 

Against him may decide. 

There should be no objections, 

But all should be resigned 
To ways which God and Nature 

So plainly have designed. 

If friends are only Christians, 
They'll yield with ready grace. 

And give to earnest suitor. 
Ere long, an honored place. 



j6 HYMENEAL POEM. 

Perchance in nuptial favors 
With others they may vie. 

And each some needed comfort 
Will readily supply. 

The man who vies in friendship 
With everyone beside, 

Now claims a Christian lady 
As his own chosen bride. 

Then freely at God's altar 
Together let us stand, 

And each exend to other 
A hearty, welcome hand ; 

And vow before spectators. 
And Him who rules on high, 

That we will live together 
In friendship till we die. 

Then let the Preacher say 

To all who gaze with wonder, 

What God hath joined together 
Let no one put asunder. 



THE OLD maid's SOLILOQUY. T"] 



THE OLD* MAID'S SOLILOQUY. 

When I was young, a sweet sixteen 

And passing on to twenty, 
My own attractions were so great. 

The beaux were very plenty. 

My eyes were bright, my steps so light, 
The gents all seemed to love me, 

But now I know, for actions show, 
These_ same feel quite above me. 

I then was skilled in needle-work, 

And used my own machine, 
No nicer garments than I made 

Could in the mart be seen. 

In kitchen and in laundry, too, 

I then was quite expert, 
The best of dinners I could cook, 

Or iron well a shirt. 



78 THE OLD maid's SOLILOQUY. 

For music I had wondrous taste, 

The organ well could play, 
And sing each time those sacred tunes 

In church, on Sabbath day. 

My prospects seemed so very good, 

My head I carried high, 
So gents who partners sought for life. 

My case would scarcely try. 

Long years have passed, sad changes come, 

My hair is turning gray. 
And this the lesson I have learned, — 

The danger of delay. 

Attractions do not always last, 

And I am getting old ; 
How sad and lonely I have been 

Cannot in words be told. 

A home I now am needing much. 

But seek it quite in vain. 
So few desire to shelter me, 

Unless for selfish sfain. 



THE OLD maid's SOLILOQUY. 79 

My kindred all are "well to do," 

But if with them I stay, 
Hard labor I must freely do, 

As if for ready pay. 

Quite often was I called to help 

When sisters needed aid. 
And countless tasks have I performed. 

For which I was not paid. 

The time is past for earning much 

By labor of my hands, 
Yet ready money must be had. 

To meet my own "demands. 

My chances now to find a home 

Are few and far between. 
Most men pass maids of sixty years, 

To find one of sixteen. 

My eyes now fail, my cheeks are pale. 
And strength is growing less — 

So wisest men would pass me by, 
I freely do confess. 



8o THE OLD maid's SOLILOQUY. 

It soon will be the ladies turn, 
Their heart and hand to offer, 

And what if I should then conclude. 
My own, at once to proffer? 

Leap-year is only one in four. 
Of years so quickly gliding, 
And if the next one brings my man, 
I must be soon deciding. 

Good business habits may he have. 
If I'm to do the choosing; 

A temperance- man, of course he'll be, 
No whiskey ever using. 

I do not say, my chosen man 
Will never smoke or chew, 

But, if he has regard for me. 
He'll very soon be through. 

A gentleman of real taste, • 

And culture too, beside. 
With ample means for living well, ■ 

If for him I decide. 



THE OLD maid's SOLILOQUY. 8 1 

But pause right here, it is too late ; 

Such talk is quite in vain, 
For maid so old as I am now, 

A perfect man to gain. 

Such plans much wiser might have seemed. 

Some thirty years ago, 
When gents would offer me their hand. 

Then wait till I said no. 

Then, why select a faultless man. 

And wait for his reply, 
If wisest men have no desire 

For such old maids as I ? 

For aught I see, the like of me, 

Through what remains of life. 
Should never hope to see the time, 

When she will be a Avife. 

Yet, if past days I could recall. 

And live them once again. 
As husband, I would try to win, 

The best of. all the men. 



82 THE OLD maid's SOLILOQUY. 

My sisters, Kate and Sally, 
With Jenny and Irene, 

All married before twenty 
Cold winters had been seen. 

They each have pleasant husbands, 

And children very fair. 
Which any time with neighbors. 

They proudly would compare. 

My nephews were all loyal. 
And some were real braves, — 

They fought to save our country, 
And helped to free the slaves. 

When they went forth as soldiers 
All martialled for the war. 

We could not comprehend 
What all this strife was for. 

And many were our anxious fears 
Lest they might all be killed. 

Though duty to their country 
They cheerfully fulfilled. 



THE OLD MAID S SOLILOQUY. 

From points of real danger, 
From many fields of strife, 

In safety, all at length returned. 
And each now has his wife. 

Their children are increasing 
As years glide swiftly by, 

The places of their parents 
In future to supply, 

Their homes are all so pleasant, 
Their children so refined, 

We think this plan was surely 
By God himself designed : 

That men and maids should marry, 
And rear their offspring, too, 

For every generation 

Has work enough to do. 

And so I give some precepts, 
To all young lady friends ; 

Presuming, that to counsels 
Each one will soon attend. 



THE OLD maid's SOLILOQUY 

Lest, as mere single maidens, 
Tlieir lives may seem to waste, 

Or business of this nature 

Be done with too £rreat haste. 



ADVICE. 

Our God himself who placed us here, 
And whom all people should revere, 
Has by his teachings made it clear 

For all, 'tis best sometime to marry. 
Why, then, at the threshold tarry. 
Fearing burdens you must carry? 

When I tell you make selections. 
Offer not the least objections, 
Or be dreading firm connections 

Made by words which should be spoken 
Of fixed union, the sure token, 
And which never should be broken. 



THE OLD maid's SOLILOQUY. , 85 

Husbands are the choicest blessing 

Heaven to earth has ever sent ; 
Children, too, are worth possessing, 

If to parents they are lent. 

None but husbands and dear children 

Women's wants anticipate, 
And without them we must often 

Feel in very lonely state. 

Why then should a foolish damsel 

For one moment hesitate 
To receive, and love, and honor 

Him who chooses her as mate ? 

Or if not one single ofTer 

Comes through three successive years, 
You have then the right to proffer, 

So dismiss all doubts and fears, 

And be ready for such action. 

As a husband will secure. 
Always hoping, watching, praying. 

Till the proper one is sure. 



A BACHELOR PREACHER S DEFENSE. 



A BACHELOR PREACHER'S DEFENSE. 

Some good preachers would spend 

A large portion of life, 
Without progeny, home. 

Or so much as a wife. 

Hence good people who love 

To be jocose or witty, 
Seem to think it quite strange, 

Perhaps even a pity. 

That good men should prefer 

In such state to remain, 
While the joys of a conjugal 

Life they disdain. 

Some more sober ones judge 

That pastors should aspire 
To be heads of households. 

As most men would desire. 



A BACHELOR PREACHER'S DEFENSE. 87 

So that each one could have 

Very near to his side, 
Just the lady preferred, 

As a partner and bride. 

Who might share in his labors, 

His toils and his cares, 
Then encourage his heart 

By her counsels and prayers — 

So, that book, as we know. 

Which is sacred and true. 
Indicates, to all minds, 

Quite a similar view. 

For St. Paul who was wise. 

As on earth one could be, 
Offered views, which with those 

We have named would agree. 

Yet, his doctrines did not 

With his practice accord, 
Though in both we conclude 

He would honor his Lord. 



A BACHELOR PREACHER S DEFENSE. 

He proclaimed a good rule, 
For a bishop, or pastor, — 

Then, alone, as Apostle, 

He served the same Master. 

He could not have a wife, 
And the comforts of home. 

While among distant nations, 
His lot was to roam. 

For so great were his perils, 

By land and by sea. 
That for life, it was needful, 

Quite often to flee. 

From the course he pursued, 

We may safely infer. 
That to rules in this life, 

Some exceptions occur. 

And no rules could well meet 

All the practical cases, 
Of good Preachers, who serve, 

In all ages and places. 



A BACHELOR PREACHER^S DEFENSE. 89 

So the rule for a Bishop, 

Which Paul has made known, 

Does not suit every case. 
As can plainly be shown. 

The great comforts of home, 

We conclude w^ere designed 
To improve our estate. 

And to cheer up the mind. 

These are worth, without doubt, 

The full cost of securing, 
When, well fixed in some place. 

And to us made enduring. 

Yet one-half of home comforts 

By Preachers are lost. 
Or secured, for short seasons, 

At wonderful cost. 

When we live, day by day, 

Much embarrassed by fear 
That our homes must be left 

At the close of each year, 



90 A BACHELOR PREACHER S DEFENSE. 

And our tents, scarcely pitched. 

Be removed far away 
To some point where another 

Twelve months we may stay. 

Quite uncertain our home 
Must each moment, appear, 

While we hope to remain 
In one place but a year. 

Then our household utensils. 

All needful for use. 
Must be bartered away. 

Or removed with abuse. 

And such losses as preachers 

Have often sustained, 
Though in doubt if by these, 

Real good has been gained. 

Now, 'tis all a wise man 

Should feel called to endure. 

To remove his own books, 
And his room furniture. 



A BACHELOR PREACHER S DEFENSE. 9I 

Without adding to these all a household would need, 
Precious stores, which would help all its members to 

feed, 
Packed away in large boxes, all recently made. 
Or in trunks, for which more of his cash has been 

paid, 

And to which larger damage must come from abuse, 
Than for years would occur from their natural use. 
So we judge, while his income is sure to be small, 
He should move very rarely, if ever at all. 

Or, like ancient Apostles through life he should 

roam,- 
Without fixed habitation or permanent home. 
And so follow the Teacher, who of himself said. 
He had not a fixed place, where to lay his own head. 

No good wife should he have, for whose wants to 

provide — 
Or a house full of children, his funds to divide, 
Like the traveling gipsies, in dwellings on wheels, 
Oftentimes, in great doubt, how to get their next 

meals. 



92 A BACHELOR PREACHER'S DEFENSE. 

If he moves, as some do, while the storms are 
severe, 

As is often the case during parts of the year, 

Tlien the feeble and tender their health must im- 
pair, 

Though of this few will know, and still fewer will 
care. 

Now, some hearers are weary 

By sameness of theme ; 
Or disdaining skim-milk, 

Wish to taste of the cream. 

Yet the points which remain 

Must detain us a while. 
So, in treating of them, 

We adopt a new style. 

Since the shady side 

Has proclaimed those ills 
Which embitter preachers' lives, 
Very many girls, and some choice ones too, 
Seem to think it discreet to have nothing to do 

With such preachers as have no wives. 



A BACHELOR PREACHER S DEFENSE. 93 

Yet it seems to be best, 

If we wish to be blessed, 
When we can, to allure, or decoy them ; 

But we always should know, 

That an ungrateful beau, 
Would be likely to vex or annoy them. 

So we do often think. 

Perhaps give a sly wink, 
When with girls who might do us a favor. 

That such maidens as those 

Should by some means have beaux, 
Who would be to themselves in good savor. 

Yet, to meet such demand. 

Should we offer our hand. 
We might find ourselves high in the air. 

Since nice girls rarely learn 

What they all should discern, 
For the feelings of suitors to care. 

Each wise lady should know. 
That the wish of a beau 
Should be truly and always respected, 



94 A BACHELOR PREACHER S DEFENSE. 

And his ardent desires 
For tiie one he admires, 
Should not often by friends be detected. 

Then he safely may tell, 

If he loves her right well, 
Of affection which burns in his breast. 

And how well he would like 

A firm bargain to strike, 
And with her, as his wife, to be blessed. 

Though his courage is weak, 

He might venture to speak 
While in hopes such a prize could be gained ; 

If she's not to be had 

He must feel very sad, 
And his heart, nearly smashed, will be pained. 

So when ladies say, nay ! and bid men go away. 
They should do it with kindness of feeling. 

Nor should men ever fear 

That of this friends will hear. 
Or that loved ones are secrets revealingr. 



A BACHELOR PREACHER'S DEFENSE. 95 

Such a choice bit of news some would quickly 

diffuse 
Among all the dear friends whom they know; 
Charging each that she must keep as secret the 

trust, 
Yet, on Fame's nimble wing it might go. 

As fleet birds through the air it might carry the 

news. 
For each Miss, who'd the hand of a suitor refuse, 

Might presume it was wise 

This high honor to use. 
Just to bring her dear self into note. 
Or some sinister end to promote. 

Since 'tis well understood 

Some nice ladies are shy. 

Cautious gents who would venture 

Their fortunes to try. 
Should not hope to entrap them with chaff; 

For though plans are well laid. 

And great efforts are made. 
Leanest bate might cause them to laugh. 



96 A BACHELOR PREACHER'S DEFENSE. 

If their hand and their heart 

We desre them to give, 
In return they may ask 

Where, and how, they could Hve. 

Since they should not desire 

By good men to be courted. 
Till they see fair prospect 

That they can be supported. 

Could we find just the lady to fill well the bill. 
Who would work for the public with real good- 
will, 
With acceptance do always as patrons desire, 
In the line of hard service as some would require ; 

A good lady of talent, of culture and piety, 
Who would please all the patrons in church and 

society ; 
Keep the house in good order and table supplied 
With no more than the funds our good people 

provide, 

And receive but the pay measured out every year, 
Without raising objection or shedding a tear, 



A BACHELOR PREACHER'S DEFENSE. 97 

Both our heart and our hand to such one would we 

give, 
And would vow to be faithful so long as we live. 
But, look through all the States, from the east to 

the west, 
Among excellent ladies regarded as best. 
And a suitable helper nowhere do we find. 
Having qualities right, both of heart and of mind, 

To become of the Pastor a much honored bride, 
And do all that is claimed for the funds they 

provide ; 
So 'tis vain to attempt our condition to change. 
Or with any good lady a bargain arrange. 

Should we fish for such fry 

With a clerical net, 
In the hope that the best 
From some school we might get, 

All our efforts might then 

Be quite useless and vain, 
Like fisherman's luck 

When he draws empty seine. 



98 A BACHELOR PREACHER'S DEFENSE. 

So our Bachelor Preacher is left in the lurch, 
For without a good wife he will not find a church 
That will give him employ 

For a series of years, 
While he always resembles 
Just one side of the shears. 

So we toil on alone, 

Quite submissive to fate. 
Often cheered by good fortunes 

Which seem to await, — 

Or, perchance, quite depressed 

By such manifold cares 
As must fall to our lot 

In all public affairs, 

And the thought that when sickness 

And sorrow invade. 
We shall need a good home 

And kind friends for our aid. 

Now, some ladies may judge 

All our pleadings are vain 
To excuse for neglect 

Of a positive duty 



A BACHELOR PREACHER S DEFENSE. 99 

Quite distinctly enjoined 
In that book called the Bible, 
And applied to our case 
By an early Apostle, 

Whose instructions in other respects 

We would follow. 

While, in this, for ourselves, 

We prefer his example, 

As more suited to cases 
Of pastors whose courage 
Is less than is needed 
For Buch undertaking. 

Yet we must not leave our calling, 
Or be thwarted from our purpose 
To obey the Heavenly Mandate, 
And the Gospel Message publish. 

Though a home is not provided. 
And a help-meet is not furnished, 
Though we labor single-handed 
Like a primitive Apostle, 



lOO A BACHELOR PREACHERS DEFENSE. 

Often taking- up our knapsack, 
Weiglity, doubtless, as his carriages; 

Then, froin place to place be strolling. 
Now perchance in stage or rail-car, 
-Passing to some distant station. 
Thence far back, into the country, 
Where some feeble church is waiting. 
In great need of faithful service, 
Which they have not means to pay for. 
Or where some will think they've done it, 
If they keep a vagrant preacher. 
While he calls to spend a Sabbath. 

Preach he must, of course, quite often 

Merely for accommodation. 

To such pastors as are hard up 

For the want of time to study 

In the midst of interruptions; 

Or, whose health is not sufficient 

To perform their triple duties. 

Those pertaining to the household, 

Preparations for the pulpit. 

And the labors of the parish. 



A BACHELOR PREACHER S DEFENSE. lOI 

Then, be teased by naughty questions 
In each parish he may vasit — 
Questions he could scarcely answer 
Even when disposed to do so. 
Such, perchance, as where your home is ; 
How your wife and children prosper. 
Then great wonder is excited 
When the fact is clearly stated, 
That he has no wife and children, 
Owns no house that he can dwell in, 
More than any passing stranger. 

Here a question still more weighty, 
(Harder, too, we judge to answer). 
Follows close behind the first one. 
Shall we tell you what one this is ? 
Answered often to no purpose — 
Answered fully in this chapter. 
So that all who wish may know it, 
Know all reasons fully given, 
Why our Pastor does not marry, 
Rather than continue sinsfle. 



I02 THE OWL. 



THE OWL. 

In the editor's sanctum a beautiful owl had his 

perch, 
Where he looked quite demure as a parson in 

church ; 
All his feathers so white, and his heft was so 

great, 
That his match had not ever been found in the 

State. 



There he sat on his perch like a king on his 
throne. 

And each man who saw him wished he might 
be his own. 

The great fame of this bird had been widely 
diffused, 

So that twenty-five dollars for him were re- 
fused. 



THE OWL. 103 

At tliat time local items were earnestly sought, 
Though for money they needed each time to be 

bought. 
We had come from a town where no news had 

been heard, — 
So our writing must be of that wonderful bird. 

To your beautiful owl, 

Our respects must be paid, 
As these lines for the press, 

On your table are laid. 

And just here let us note 

A few words that were passed, 

When a maid out at prayer. 
For a husband had asked. 

While she waited and looked 

For friendly reply, 
A response seemed to come • 

From that Being on high. 

From the woods far away, 
•' Who, who ?" came so plain, 

She presumed her own prayer 
Had not been quite in vain. 



I04 A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. 

" Anybody, good Lord," 

Was her honest reply, 
Tho' vain " sprigs " would mock her 

By heaving a sigh. 

Were your owl yet alive, 

And that maid out at prayer. 

While she prayed for a husband, 
I would love to be there. 



A TRIBUTE TO Mr. F G. C- 

A souvenir I now prepare, 

True Friendship's fittest token. 

That you may keep and oft repeat 
The lines that here are spoken. 

In easy rhyme, just for this time, 

I venture to address you, 
And now do pray on this good day. 

That God may largely bless you. 



A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. I05 

And lielp me, too, in what I do, 

To make a good impression, 
By hours I spend and lines I send, 

Henceforth, for your possession. 

Your former pastor and your friend 

May talk to you as teacher — 
Though far away, may for you pray. 

And speak, as yet your preacher. 

You may not know, though it be so, 

That I was once a teacher — 
Taught boys and girls in many towns, 

Before "I was a preacher. 

A pupil from my Latin class, 

George Potter was his name,. 
Went down to Old Virginia, 

And there a guard became. 

Poor " old John Brown " did then attempt, 

In spite of all the laws, 
To raise a great rebellion, 

And lead in Freedom's cause. 



lo6 A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. 

For such attempt he soon was tried 

And sentenced to be hung; 
George Potter then was one of twelve. 

Who guarded while he swung. 

Good Gerritt Smith once said to me 

What he believed was true : 
"John Brown was most like Jesus Christ 

Of all the men he knew." 

He farther added this remark 

To what he just averred, 
Respecting that old hero 

To whom he had referred : 

" I knew John Brown right .well, 

For with me he has stayed, 
And with me in this very room, 

Together we have prayed." 

He then repeated said remark, 
As though qufte sure 'twas true : 

"John Brown was most like Jesus Christ 
Of all the men he knew." 



A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. 107 

■" Great difference there was," he said, 

" Between that good old man, 
And those he tried to benefit 

By leading in the van." 

The friends of old John Brown, we know 

Have greatly multiplied 
Since eighteen hundred fifty-nine, — 

When he for Freedom died. 

And though his body, long since dead, 

" Lies mouldering in the grave," 
The Freemen all remember him, 

Who died to help the slave. 

While some do often speak of him 

As long since dead and gone, 
Our valiant men have sung the tune: 

" His soul goes marching on," 

Until the time has fully come, 

John Brown desired to see, 
And Proclamation has gone forth — 

" Shall be forever free. 



IQ8 a tribute to MR. F. G. C. 

While old John Brown was hanging high 

For crimes that he had done, 
A child was born, and word passed round, 

Another life begun. 

And during nineteen years or so 

Since he did hang till dead, 
Said child has grown to be a man, 

And bears the name of Ffed. 

This youthful friend, I knew so well, 

And often have in mind, 
Will kindly take advice from me, 

For his best good designed. 

Since you were born on that same day 
When Brown for Freedom died, 

In every contest for the truth, 
Take you the proper side. 

Two great events on that same day 
Have marked the time so well, 

Some parents to their children 
Have loved of them to tell. 



A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. IO9 

Perhaps no other parents can 

Like yours recall that da}'; 
For then it was, as we are told, 

You first came home to stay. 

If while you live, you try to give 

Those honors God requires, 
You will obey, each passing- day, 

And meet their just desires. 

Your days on earth will then be long. 

For so the Bible reads ; 
And you may hope to reap the grain 

Of which you sow the seeds. 

The evils now in this our world 

By you should be diminished, 
Though all 3^our earthly labors close 

Before such work is finished. 

The work which Brown did undertake 

We know was not completed 
Before he was arrested 

And all his plans defeated. 



no A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. 

Yet advocates of this same cause 

Did very soon arise, 
Which foes could neither overconne 

Nor very long despise. 

On many a well-fought field 
The friends of Freedom bled, 

Long after John was caught and tried, 
And to the scaffold led. 

His death was not then quite in vain. 
Since by it Freedom's cause did gain, 

Though some presumed he was insane. 
Thousands followed in his train. 

John Brown his mission did fullfil. 
And set the wheels in motion ; 

Then others joined to do the work. 
And with sincere devotion. 

The advocates of Slavery's cause 
Fought hard, as we did see, 

Till Proclamation went abroad : 
" Shall be forever free." 



A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. Ill 

Many flags of States to the breeze were unfurled, 
While at poor Captain Brown cruel jibes were 

hurled, ■ , 

Since he made the cause of slaves his own, 
And as leader of negroes and treason was known. 

Such a leader as he they would hang very high, 
And while he was swinging their flags they 

Would fly ; 
Because he would the laws of slaveholders defy, 
And to help slaves to freedom would zealously 
try. 

So they scarcely could wait till in court he was 

tried. 
Before they did firmly and fully decide 
That the man who for them would rebellion 

prepare 
Should be hung by the neck, then swing high 

in the air. 

In Kansas our hero had gained reputation 
Which nad spread far and wide, to all parts of 
the nation. 



112 A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. 

Of great courage in battle for freedom and right. 
So the slaveholders knew just how well he would 
f^ght. 

But the hero's attempts could not prevail, 
Though he did in the night the arsenal assail, 
And b\' this very strange and foolish digression 
Had the arms of the nation in his own possession. 

One hundred thousand stand of arms 
In the hands of slaves would awaken alarms. 
Just the greatest and widest that ever were known. 
Lest their pet institution might be overthrown. 

He who made the Proclamation for freedom's 

cause has died. 
And, as our martyred President, is known both 

far and wide ; 
The battle thus for freedom fought, by martyr 

was begun, 
So its final consummation b}' martyr hand was 

done. 

Old John Brown and Abraham Lincoln — 
Freedom's battle Brown began, and was by ropes 
suspended ; 



A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. 113 

Abraham made the Proclamation, and soon his 

Hfe was ended ; 
In freedom cause both of them died, 
And now are known both far and wide. 

John did what seemed so very wrong, 
And yet his name will live in song 

Until the latest days. 
Abraham, the wise and good. 
For Freedom's cause did all he could ; 
And so his name will live in history, 
His tragic death will seem a mystery, 
.And all will speak his praise. 

Now this Abraham Lincoln, the wise and the 

good, 
As our President, did the best that he could ; 
When the slave-holding minions arose in their 

might, 
For their pet institution like tigers to fight, 
And this wonderful nation in twain to divide, 
So that half would be always on slaveholders' 

side, 



114 A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. 

And the slaves, as mere chattels, be fully secure. 
And the most cruel bondage -for ages endure. 

Then aroused loyal People for freedom to fight, 
And sustained our good laws with the whole of 

his might — 
Sent abroad Proclamations that negroes should be 
During all future ages from bondage quite free. 

So the contest for years was quite fierce, as we 

know. 
Whether slaves could be held, or must soon be 

let go. 
Yet at length it was found, as we all did then 

see, 
That the slaves at the South must at once be set 

free. 

But this man whom we know was so good and 

so great, 
Was by many an object of most fiendish hate ; 
So a cruel assassin shot a ball through his head, 
And his corpse all in gore soon lay bleeding 

and dead. 



A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. I15 

While the body of Lincohi, the good and the 
great, 

From city to city was carried in state, 

Then a pall of dense darkness our land did 
enshroud. 

But his soul, passing upward, dispelled the dark- 
cloud, 

Causing purest of light from high heaven to 

shine — 
Such a light as to us did seem truly divine, 
Since from ocean to ocean, from Gulf to the 

Lake, 
Over sugar and cotton, the fern or the brake, 

The gay flag of our Union in triumph can wave, 
Over millions of Freedmen, but not any slaves. 
Now this martyr to freedom we pass gently by, 
And some counsels to Frederick, right here, we 
supply. 

If counsels freely given to such a nice young 

man. 
Would help him in aspiring to do the best he can, 



Il6 4 TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. 

And wisely shape his studies to be both good and 

great, 
With very high acceptance, to serve in church and 

State, 



Then would I love, a lecture to write him out 

in verse. 
Which in his vacant moments he'd think of and 

rehearse — 
Such hints as I would proffer for his best good 

designed, 
Through Hfe he will remember, and think them 

very kind. 

The author of this souvenir regard as a true 

friend. 
To friendly counsels given, with mind and heart 
attend ; 
And though on earth we cannot meet, 

As in the days of yore, 
May it be ours at length to meet, 
Where parting is no more. 



A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. 11/ 

Now in youth in life's bright morning, 
Rear your standard, hft it high ; 

Never swerve from Christian duty, 
But resolve at once to try. 

Put you on the gospel armor, 

Closely walk with God each day. 

Do with zeal and Christian duty, 

Work for Christ, and watch and pray. 

Satan's wiles are very many, 

His temptations often strong ; 
While we wish to do our duty, 

He would lead us to do wrong. 

Learn to think while you are working. 

Study every subject well, 
Have each thought so well digested. 

That to others you can tell. 

Learn to pray while you are working. 
Since good works and prayer combined 

Will the best subserve those objects 
For which both are well designed. 



Il8 A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. 

Pray for all your friends and neighbors. 
Those who often you do meet, 

Until they are earnest Christians — 
Every day such prayers repeat. 

When you gather in assembly, 

There to sing and speak and pray, 

Do your duty as a Christian — 
Always have a word to say. 

Lead right off, and speak out boldly. 
Throw your colors to the breeze, — 

Let all know you are a Christian, 
And so learn to speak with ease. 

Let your daily life illustrate 

The religion you profess, — 
Then the God of heaven will own you. 

And your prayers and labors bless. 

Though a pilgrim and a stranger, 
While on earth you must remain. 

At the end of this short journey, 
A sure home you will attain. 



A TRIBUTE TO MR. F. G. C. I I9 

Then a mansion up in heaven, 

Fitted by the Saviour's hand, 
Will be given you for possession, 

In that far-off, better land. 

Saints and angels there will meet you, 

-All arrayed in robes of white, 
Then the Saviour too will greet you, 

And become your chief delight. 

Halleluiahs you may offer 

To the Lamb who once was slain 

That your sins might be forgiven, 
And "the guilty Heaven attain. 

So with countless happy voices, 
You may join his praise to sing, — 

Glory to a risen Saviour, 

Glory unto Christ the King. 

Thus with music of the ransomed. 
Heaven's arches may resound, — 

Highest honors unto Jesus, 

Whose rich grace does so abound. 



220 THE INVALID S PETITION. 



THE INVALID'S PETITION. 

Great Physician, precious Saviour, 
Seated on thy throne above. 

Now regard us in compassion, 
Give us tokens of thy love. 

Weak are we and truly helpless, 

So defiled by sinful ways; 
Nothing have we to commend us, 

Though we try to speak thy praise. 

No good work have we accomplished, 
Or right ways have we attained. 

All unholy from beginning, 

So, through life have we remained. 

When we offer our petitions, 
We would do it in thy name ; 

Though we need so many favors. 
We have not the slightest claim. 



THE INVALIDS PETITION. 121 

When we come, with our petitions 
To tlie throne of heavenly grace, 

Asking that some choicest favors 
Be appHed to our own case. 

Asking in the name of Jesus, 

For the things we so much need, 

And that with our heavenly Father, 
Christ, the Son, would intercede. 

Now we ask not earthly riches. 
Nor the honors men can give ; 

But for health we would petition, 
That in comfort we may live. 

Give us Lord a healthful body, 

And a mind to do thy will ; 
Make us zealous in thy service, 

Every duty to fulfill. 

In good work may we be constant, 

Always acting well our part, 
When the Saviour would employ us, 

Doing freely from the heart. 



122 HOUSEKEEPERS TRIALS. 

So that when this hie is finished, 
And a better one begun, 

We may each receive the plaudit, 
Good and faithful, all, well, done. 



HOUSEKEEPERS' TRIALS. 

DISCUSSED IN A LADIEs' CONVENTION. 

In a housekeeper's business great trials are known. 
Which, in words fitly chosen, should clearly be 

shown ; 
A nice picture of these she would have us prepare, 
And to others in verse her own trials declare. 

Yet so many the houses to be nicely kept, 
Countless rooms to be cleansed, and then furnished 

and swept, 
And the tables so well and so promptly supplied. 
With such viands as her scanty means can provide, 



HOUSEKEEPERS' TRIALS. 123 

If attention to each of her trials we pay, 

We must start first with Eve, then come down to 

our day, 
And the thread nicely spun, through the ages so 

run. 
That onr task thus begun could by me, mind, be 

done. 

A convention of housekeepers then we should 

call. 
And from each hear rehearsals of trials not small, 
Each might tell of some ways in which she has 

been tried. 
And so furnish some facts by which we can 

decide. 

Each fair speaker will of course have something 

to say, 
Of the work she must do every hour of each 

day : 
Each may choose her own subject and choose her 

own way, 
And so publish her views without any delay. 



124 housekeepers' trials. 

This Convention, right here, might as well be 

begun, 
For good ladies all know how such work should 

be done ; 
We will hear from a few all they wish now to 

say. 
And the best of attention endeavor to pay. 

Let Miss Bridget arise, and her story relate. 
Of great tasks she must do very early and late, 
And quite sure we must be, that her tasks are not 

light. 
Which she does every day with the whole of her 

might. 



MISS BRIDGET S PLEA. 

"And for sure, my good ladies, if here I must 

speak. 
Let me be very brief, and your good will bespeak : 
Not so easy our tasks, and we think them not 

few, 
Nor do we understand how to bring- them to view. 



HOUSEKEEPERS TRIALS. 12$ 

But come in the back way to the wash-room and 

stay 
Till the clothes are all out, and you then will not 

doubt, 
That on each washing-day, though we work for 

small pay, 
The great tasks we hav^e done should not pass 

for mere fun. 

You may try the machine, and then help me to 

wring, 
And the clothes in the basket to line you may 

bring ; 
After drying is done, and the ironing begun. 
You will guess that such labor most people would 

shun. 

'Tis not me that of work would complain, as you 

know. 
And the laundry brings business for girls who 

don't sew. 
Then the cooks we conclude find their work full 

of care, 
When good meals in each house they must often 

prepare. 



126 housekeepers' trials. 

Very often the wood is too large or too green. 
So their trials to be understood must be seen ; 
Then the kettle for hours refuses to boil, 
Or the batch of new bread will be likely to spoil. 

On such tinnes our own patience is less than we 

need, 
And poor Bridget has trials quite weighty indeed. 
Overcome by such thoughts as are hard to endure. 
She must go to the priest and a pardon secure." 

MISS MARTHA. 

" Those trials of Bridget are great, we conclude, 

For her duties we all comprehend ; 
But why does she go to the Catholic priest. 

Her own time and her money to spend?" 

BRIDGET. 

" You must know this is what we have always 

been taught, 
For the favors we need must of some priest be 

bought. 
To confession we go, as our church has requested. 
And make known our requests as the priest has 

desired." 



housekeepers' trials. 127 

miss martha. 

"To our God it seems better to go with our cares. 
Than look up to a priest for an answer to prayers." 

BRIDGET. 

" The true church has a way to attend to our case, 
And we follow its teachings so well, 

We do hope by such deeds to gain heaven at last, 
And escape the sad torments of hell." 

MARTHA. 

" In such case we allow it may be a great sin. 

If we murmnr when trials arise ; 
But to God we should go and confess unto Him, 

Before seeking with priest to advise." 

TABITHA. 

" A seamstress my calling has been, 

So the wants of each household I know. 

Making dresses for young and for old. 
Every day I must baste, stitch and sew. 



128 housekeepers' trials. 

Many times all the work has seemed done, — 
But the wearing and tearing makes more, 

And to keep all the neighbors well clad, 
For myself is a wonderful chore. 

The good people I serve at my trade, 

Require garments all made the best way, — 

To be sure that good customers all are supplied, 
I must work every hour of each day. 

So much basting and sewing' and stitching, 

As fashions require to be done ; 
Though machines are much used to assist, 

Savors more of hard work than mere fun. 

Now this basting and sewing and stitching. 
Till our arms become weary and lame. 

Just to put needless work upon garments, 
To myself seems a wonderful shame. 

On parents and husbands some ladies have drawn. 

Till many are ready to fail. 
To arrange on their dresses large ruffles and flounces, 

Which must end with a very large trail. 



housekeepers' trials. 129 

Better scrimp in the style of a dress, 

And be sure our church debts are all paid, 

Than for clothes to pay out all we earn, 
While good causes are needing our aid." 

MADAM JONES. 
" During thirty long years have I guided the house, 

All its cares and its labors have known ; 
Countless duties, attending domestic affairs. 

Have by others been very well shown. 

But a mother of many dear children I've been. 
To be trained for this world and the next ; 

Hence, by trials so great and too many for me, 
My own mind has been often perplexed. 

Choice gifts unto me these dear children must be, 
From our Father in heaven above ; 

So the labor of training and his truths explaining. 
Must be seasoned by patience and love. 

If they lead useful lives, make good husbands and 
wives, 

And the laws of their being fulfill, 
We should never complain, though we often explain. 

But should do this with hearty good will. 



I30 HOUSEKEEPERS TRIALS. 

Children's tastes and children's habits, 
By their parents should be known ; 

What " is good and what is hurtfid, 
Should each day be fully shown. 

This man's labor unremitting, 

And a very constant care, 
That for most important life-work 

Each in turn may all prepare. 

When they mingle with their neighbors. 

Some so reckless and profane. 
They may learn the worst of habits, 

While they merely seek for gain. 

We have watched them with great caution, 
As wise parents always should. 

Lest dear children be corrupted. 
While we wish them to be good. 

None but parents can know fully, 

All the burden of our care, 
Till they rear some precious children, 

And with us these burdens bear. 



housekeepers' trials. 131 

All should try the work of rearing, 

Give instruction every day, 
Till they know our many trials — 

Comprehend the w^ords we say." 

MADAME BENNETT. 

" With pleasure I've listened to this plain dis- 
cussion 

Of trials good housekeepers always must share; 
Have heard a rehearsal of cares and of labors. 

So notes with these speakers I well may compare. 

The season for cleansing has just been upon us. 

And mach have I labored my part to fulfill; 
We have taken up carpets, have brushed and have 
dusted. 
Then scrubbed all the rooms with a hearty good 
will. 

The brush and the broom, with good soap and 
warm water, 

Have been our assistants in going the round ; 
From cellar to garret we've tried to be faithful, 

And leave not a crevice where dirt can be found. 



132 HOUSEKEEPERS TRIALS. 

Some friends are desiring to make us a visit, 
And these we are happy quite often to greet ; 

Nice food for our table must then be made ready, 
That each of our guests may have plenty to eat. 

To cellar and larder our eyes must be turned. 
That means for supply may be fully discerned ; 
In market abundance can always be found, 
Though funds in our pockets do not so abound. 

With viands our table must then be supplied, 
No choice of the best should our guests be denied ; 
When dollars are wanting this fact we may hide, 
Lest foes for such folly attempt to deride. 

The labor of cleansing seems very well done, 
But our work for the season is only begun ; 
Nice flowers we have, some more we can get. 
In kettle, large vases and beds we must set. 

If garden is started, we very well know 
Many seeds the housekeeper must carefully sow ; 
Then, after arranging in beds all the seeds, 
Some men will presume we should conquer the 
weeds." 



housekeepers' trials. 133 

Our friends will conclude we can then be at ease. 
But wives of most farmers make butter and cheese; 
So we toil at such labor long hours of each day, 
Quite in doubt whether business of this kind will 
pay." 

MADAM MALONE. 

'' If here we may speak of our trials. 

Whatever those trials may be, 
I venture to picture my own, 

Which do vex in the highest degree. 

My husband drinks much of hard cider. 

The sourest he ever can find ; 
He does this to make him more rugged. 

But I judge it does injure his mind. 

One glass, very early each morning, 

Must help him to open his eyes ; 
The next one, but a few hours later. 

To make him more healthy and wise. 

The pitcher, replenished for dinner. 
Must stand very near to his side — 

Essential as any provisions 
It falls to his lot to provide. 



134 housekeepers' trials. 

So when he goes forth to his labor, 

To make him more healthy and strong". 

The cider-jug, filled to the stopple, 
He always must carry along. 

Though much the hard cider he uses, 
And great, too, must be the whole cost, 

I reckon all funds thus expended. 
By him must be wasted or lost. 

It makes him appear quite unpleasant. 
Impairs both his body and mind ; 

Without it, he always is pleasant. 
But with it, morose and unkind. 

So I wish all the cider were banished, 
That evils thus done might be staid ; 

Far better than use it so freely, 
No more of it ever be made. 

The boy who begins with sweet cider. 

And drinks it perchance through a straw. 

Very soon will desire something stronger. 
Or thi^ is a general law. 



HOUSEKEEPERS TRIALS. 1 35 

For hard cider his love will increase. 

As a taste for the sweeter is fed ; 
So the child who begins with a straw. 

May to use of hard cider be led. 

Each good friend should engage in this work. 

In a way to succeed, of course ; 
By persuasion do all that he can, 

And attempt to do nothing by force. 

We should all do our best to reclaim 

Every one who is going astray, 
And induce them all to return, 

Without waiting a month or a day. 

By persuasion good people combine 

To reform many evils we know ; 
That such plans have succeeded quite well 

We need not at this time to show." 

MADAM REYNOLDS. 

" A true friend of reforms I have been. 
And in these I now take great delight; 

To recover the careless from sin, 

I would labor by day and by night. 



136 housekeepers' trials. 

Tobacco I think a great curse 
Unto all who desire to be free 

From such habits as injure the purse 
Or the health in the slightest degree. 

For this reason I speak in strong terms 
Against using so filthy a weed ; 

Far sooner would join a crusade 

To pull up and destroy all the seed. 

The mere smell of sO' noxious a plant 
Is enough common stomachs to turn ; 

Then why do they love it to chew. 
Or what good do they in it discern? 

Yet for this, so pernicious an herb, 

More of money each year has been paid 

Than all churches and missions require 
To be furnished for their special aid. 

So we women have much work to do 
In reforming the ills of this life, 

While we act as good keepers of house. 
And so near to a man as his wife." 



housekeepers' trials. 137 

madam smith. 

" A drunkard my husband has been. 

Yet duties to him I still owe; 
Though he acts oftentimes like a brute, 

No unkindness to him must I show. 

As his wife I might claim a good home, 
Yet a home have seemed not to know ; 

For so hateful he often has been, 
Far away I am tempted to go. 

Twenty years have I watched his career, 
While our children to manhood have grown, 

By whisky Fve seen him enslaved, 

And great troubles with him have I known. 

For whisky his earnings have gone, 

Which, if saved, would now help us to live; 

A good home for ourselves we could have, 
And some funds to our children could give. 

Many times have I labored and plead, 
My dear husband from whisky to save ; 

Yet his love for strong drinks has increased, 
Until now he is truly a slave. 



138 housekeepers' trials. 

So I judge other ladies have trials, 

Heavy burdens they scarcely can bear; 

While their husbands and sons are so ready 
By strong drinks their own health to impair. 

Tobacco and cider first used, 

Of which they secured a supply. 
By progression have commonly led 

Stronger drinks on occasion to try. 

When good friends from afar have come in, 
Merchants' business with them to transact, 

The presumed good cigars might be used, 

Then, from thought, would proceed to the act. 

So while trying each one a cigar. 

Or large pipe, which would better hold fire, 

They are nursing a quite morbid taste 
Which may grow to an ardent desire 

For some lager, bad whisky or ale, 
Such as venders are quick to provide ; 

Then, discussing the subject awhile. 
They do all very shortly decide 



housekeepers' trials. 

Just to visit the bar and partake, 
After one of the number shall buy ; 

Though temperance pledges some break, 
Every one the strong does now try. 

When again, the same company meet, 

Or in market some new friends they greet. 

This vain custom they often repeat. 

For good friends, each in turn, must all treat. 

So by smoking and drinking each time, 
As a token of friendship, we know 

A desire for these stimulants always 
Like other bad habits does grow. 

Until taste for strong drink is so fixed, 
That the tippler becomes a mere slave, — 

Much inclined to abuse his best friends, 
Till at length he is laid in the grave. 

This Convention, good ladies, must close. 
And we each to our homes soon repair, 

To meet other stern duties of life, 
And the heaviest burdens to bear. 



139 



I40 A TRIBUTE TO GARFIELD. 

If good thoughts, in this meeting evolved, 
Bring to any true comfort and cheer, 

And make duties, which fall to the lot 
Of good sisters, more pleasant appear, 

By a friendly exchange of our thoughts, 

In a manner to all very plain, 
We presume no great harm has been done. 

While to some there has been special gain. 



A TRIBUTE TO GARFIELD. 

Great God of all the nations, 
Our hearts are turned to Thee; 

In token of submision 

We bow the humble knee. 

And look for consolation 
In midst of deepest grief. 

To Him who knows our sorrows. 
And can afford relief. 



A TRIBUTE TO GARFIELD. 141 

The man of all the people, 

So honored as the first, 
Was slain in our chief city 

By. one we deem the worst. 

Our nation, now in mourning 

For loss of worthy chief, 
By humble prayer and fasting. 

To Thee comes for relief. 

Since, as a wayward people. 

We have deserved the rod, 
With hearts subdued and chastened, 

We now approach our God, 

And make to Him confessions, 

Most humble and. sincere, 
While in the great assembly 

Before Him we appear. 

Great God of all the nations, 
Hear thou our humble prayer, 

Let us be now forgiven ; 
And so our nation spare. 



142 A TRIBUTE TO GARFIELD. 

And give us future chieftains, 
Like those who have been slain, 

That to the latest ages 
Our nation may remain. 



" s, 


3d 


" lo, 


2d 


'■ 17, 


2d 


44, 




" 112, 


3d 


" 1.12, 


5th 


" 117, 


2d 


" 120, 


3d 


" 121, 


ISt 


" 127, 


4th 


'■ I^O, 


2d 



ERRATA. 


ISt line, 


read p7-ophct for "prophets." 


3d " 


" Judgments for "judgment 


4th " 


all before " combined." 


4th " 


" than for " him." 


i8th ■' 


" ok for " on." 


ISt ■' 


stands for " stand." 


2d " 


" rope for "ropes." 


3d " 


each for " and." 


ISt " 


ivorks for "work." 


ISt " 


yet for "\v'hen." 


ISt " 


" Dorcas for " Tabitha." 


ISt " 


means for " man's." 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 








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